Research

Research themes

Trade and industry

Research on trade and industry has long been a high priority for Project staff and PhD students. This work has included detailed studies of the trade policy regime (including pioneering estimates of effective rates of protection), the political economy of protection, sector-specific trade policies, export performance, Indonesia in the regional and global economy, general overviews of the industrial sector, the structure and performance of industry, industrial dynamics before and after crisis episodes, and industry case studies. Read more >>

Agriculture, resources and the environment

The Indonesian economy remains dependent on agriculture, resources and the environment, which provide a livelihood for many Indonesians. Appropriate policies in these areas could effectively benefit millions of Indonesians, lift the poor out of poverty and generate overall economic growth. Read more >>

Politics and governance

Fifteen years after Indonesia began its transition to becoming the world’s third most populous democracy, democratic governance in the country has recorded remarkable achievements. For example, Indonesia is now judged by international agencies such as Freedom House to be the most democratic country in Southeast Asia. Read more >>

Social policy and human capital

Investment in human capital and public service delivery remain major policy concerns in Indonesia. Both public and private spending on health is relatively low, while the large increase in public spending on education in the past decade has yet to yield any positive impact. In addition, human capital investments in Indonesia face substantial challenges with regards to governance, inequality in access to public services, and quality of education and health care. Read more >>